Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands

#OCOVI facilitates activities in the USVI by managing and protecting the regions marine and coastal environments by providing data and information.

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

To read more information on droughts in the US and US territories visit: https://t.co/cK6rDUcI4B.

Photos by Madyson Miller (@whaleslovemady)

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

Today we are grateful for the RAIN! Did you know that the USVI was in a severe drought this year?

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

Unfortunately, even with increased rainfall, @DroughtGov have still declared drought in the USVI. If you look at the map you can see that as of June 22nd, St. Thomas and St. John are in a Moderate Drought (the pale dot) and St. Croix is still in a Severe Drought (the orange dot).

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

We had over 30 volunteers and collected around 300 lbs of trash!! All trash was sorted and cataloged. We picked up over 200 plastic pieces, over 500 metal bottle caps, about 90 lbs of clothes, some mattresses, tents, beach chairs and toys. #keepusvibeautiful

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

On Sunday, OCOVI participated in a World Ocean Day beach cleanup on Brewer’s Beach, St. Thomas alongside Clean Up St. Thomas!, @WomeninOceanSci, Ocean Mimic, and the USVI youth chapter of the Sustainable Oceans Alliance!

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

At the event, OCOVI staff member Antonio talked to volunteers about an ROV called the Trident, which was on display, so they could learn more about the important work OCOVI is doing! Hot topics included Sargassum and hurricane preparedness!

[National Hurricane Center @NHC_Atlantic]

8pm EDT, 11 June: Keeping an eye on the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, as a trough of low pressure is expected to form in that region by early next week. Some slow development is possible thereafter as this system drifts northward.

https://t.co/m9946DoYYi

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

@meertext https://t.co/MM5fpfuKq2

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

The Sargassum amount continues to increase throughout central western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, which sets a new record for the month of May. We expect that 2021 will continue to be a major Sargassum year, as Sargassum is expected to increase continuously into the summer.

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

@meertext There is no forecast per se, but USF shows present month status as well as history of that month in previous years. It is a safe bet that Sargassum in summer of 2021 will remain stronger than in 2019-2020 and closely resemble 2018 – which was a big year in Florida.

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

Additionally, OCOVI will have an ROV on display. Bring your ocean questions and learn about what OCOVI is doing for you this hurricane season! This beach cleanup is a part of a GLOBAL effort to pick up 30 tonnes of trash! Be sure to use the hashtag #STTWOD21!

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

This Sunday, June 13th from 8 am-12 pm come join @OCO_VI, Cleanup St. Thomas, @SOAlliance, @WomeninOceanSci, and @OceanMimic in a #WorldOceanDay Cleanup at Brewers Beach! We are handing out reusable water bottles to the first round of participants courtesy of @uvimmes!

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

As a result, we will likely see more beaching events in the Caribbean Sea and Florida as Sargassum is transported into the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information and near real-time imagery:
https://t.co/31VcSRxxVc

[Madyson Miller @whaleslovemady]

I am hosting a beach clean-up on June 13th from 8-12pm at Brewer's Bay Beach, St. Thomas in an international collaboration with @WomeninOceanSci, @OceanMimic, @OCO_VI, Clean Up St. Thomas, and the USVI youth chapter of @SOAlliance! Bring your own water bottle and sunscreen!!

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

Be sure to check back later this month to see photos and videos of our glider deployments! For now, here are some shots of the 2019 and 2020 glider seasons.

Photos: Dan Mele

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

As of yesterday, we are officially into the 2021 hurricane season. This week, OCOVI will begin receiving gliders from @RutgersU and @USNavyResearch, that will be set for deployment at the end of the month.

[Ocean and Coastal Observing- Virgin Islands @OCO_VI]

Each year OCOVI deploys these gliders in Virgin Islands water, we gain a better understanding of the factors which fuel hurricane intensification. Since hurricanes are still coming, the data gathered by the gliders will help communities to better prepare for an approaching storm.

[Madyson Miller @whaleslovemady]

So incredibly proud of my cohort for publishing our @uvimmes capstone research project! We have officially been accepted! Finally a published scientific co-author! #sctld

[ASLO @aslo_org]

Have an idea for international outreach in the #aquaticsciences? Consider ASLO's Global Outreach Initiative! Small grants (up to $3,000) available to support #outreach efforts. Deadline is 15 July. Full call and guidelines can be accessed here: https://t.co/cVMBo0xP4i